I had the panels install last year. Comparing my monthly bills from the year before, the system saves me about $80 to $100 per month. I figure 7 to 8 years till the break even point with the government incentives. If someone can swing the initial out of pocket cost, they are crazy not to install the panels. There is also a bank in California that offers a one year interest free loan. I also had the battery backup installed. We can go three days without electricity or sun. The system automatically switches to battery power at any outage and you don't even notice it. With hurricanes and windstorms, candles, lanterns and bags of ice are things of the past.
The panels also have a 25 year warranty and are covered by my home owners insurance. I can monitor my system from anywhere in the world on the company's website. I just wish I could add more panels and be totally rid of Entergy and their price raises.